Sexual health checks
A sexual health check is a check-up by a health professional for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and other sexual health problems. It also gives you a chance to ask questions relating to your sexuality and sexual and reproductive health.
Who should have a sexual health check?
If you are having sex, then you need to think about when to have a sexual health check. How often and when you need to have a check depends on your lifestyle and sexual activity.
If you have any symptoms or worries about your sexual health, then arrange a check-up straight away with your doctor, family planning or sexual health clinic.
If you are unsure whether you need a sexual health check, speak to your school based youth health nurse or ring your local family planning clinic [Family Planning Queensland website] or sexual health clinic.
Have a sexual health check if:
- you think you might have an STI
- you have had unsafe sex - including vaginal, oral and anal sex
- you have had a condom break or fall off during sex
- your partner has another sexual partner
- you have shared injecting equipment
- you are starting a new sexual relationship.
What happens during a sexual health check?
You will be seen by a health professional, who will begin by asking you about your sexual history. Some of these questions may seem quite personal, such as:
- your sexual orientation (eg. straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender)
- number of sexual partners
- sexual practices
- whether you have any symptoms
- whether you have injected drugs
- whether you have tattoos or body piercing.
This information is confidential and it is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions about your sexual health that might have been worrying you.
After taking a history of your sexual activity, the doctor or nurse will perform an examination. This means that the health professional will look at your external genital area and possibly inside your mouth, vagina or anus for any signs of STIs. The following tests might be done:
- taking swabs (eg. taking a sample of fluid or discharge on a cotton bud for examination under a microscope)
- taking a urine sample
- taking a blood test (eg. sample of blood taken from the arm).
For girls, the vagina and cervix may also be examined for any signs of an STI and a Pap smear (swab of the cervix inside the vagina looking for any change to the cells) may be taken, if necessary.
All females are encouraged to have a Pap smear within two years of when they first have sex, and if they have any abnormal bleeding after sex or between periods. One of the most common causes of changes to the cells of the cervix is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which can lead to cervical cancer. HPV is the cause of genital warts and is an STI, however a vaccination is available to help prevent females from getting cervical cancer due to HPV.
However, it is important to remember that a Pap smear is not the same as a full sexual health check. If you are worried about having an STI, then you need to discuss this with your doctor or nurse.
More info
- Find out more about safe sex.
- Find out more about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Find out more about Pap smears.